Improved, controlled tempo

The match against Croatia saw a noticeably increased maturity with Australia’s ability to start and maintain a tempo. It is always difficult to fully gauge performances from friendly matches, which just can’t be compared with intensity of competitive matches. The Socceroos’ last friendly saw them get off to a lightning start before falling away midway through the first half. Australia

again got off to a solid start but there wasn’t the same drastic drop in performance and tempo as against South Africa. Perhaps it is improved fitness – the Socceroos have been worked hard in camp by Postecoglou and his support staff, perhaps it is because the players didn’t not want to risk injury so close to the first game, or perhaps it was due to the fact that, with the 23-man squad confirmed, the players didn’t feel the need to start 100 miles per hour in order to impress. Whatever the reason, it is an important step for Australia’s development under Postecoglou.

Playing forward is a risk worth taking

Australia didn’t create much against Croatia, but they didn’t create much against Brazil or France. They only attempted four shots in 90 minutes, but were able to compete against quality opposition. “[On getting a positive result against Chile] Absolutely. We believe, we believe. This performance tonight just made us believe even more. We’ll push on from here and we’ll see how we go,” Mile Jedinak said post-match, perhaps angling for a move to Melbourne City. This mentality, one of believing that Australia can compete against the best sides in the world, has been something that Postecoglou has been able to instil in his short time in charge. With a positive mentality at the core of the side, Australia has been able to show neat spells of possession-based football. Whilst there were fewer early crosses into the box, the Socceroos, in the first half in particular, looked comfortable with playing out from the back, drawing Croatia onto them before hitting diagonal passes from central midfield out to the advanced fullbacks. This positive mentality will serve Australia well.

Jedinak can shine under Postecoglou

One of the sticks often used to beat Mile Jedinak with is that he is a poor passer of the ball. Jedinak’s defensive role is vital for club and country – he is big and strong in the tackle, is able to make the pitch feel small and he has good anticipation which allows him to cover when Australia presses and force interceptions. But despite often being criticised for this aspect of his play, Jedinak could also prove to be crucial to the way Postecoglou wants to play in possession. Jedinak was in the bottom three midfielders in the Premier League for the category of pass completion in his own half (82.43%), which can be used to confirm the idea that he is poor in possession, or, with some context, can be used to argue why he will shine under Postecoglou. Jedinak’s role for Crystal Palace, when in possession, is to play early forward and diagonal passes to exploit the space left on the counter attack. When you understand that he is being asked to play riskier passes, then it is easy to understand why he doesn’t complete as many as someone who will play a safer square pass.

Jedinak demonstrated his value in possession and passing range in the first half against Croatia with a series of forward and diagonal passes to the fullbacks and wingers. Postecoglou’s no-fear, attack-against-the-best mentality will give Jedinak the opportunity to shine.

Play without fear

Australia can play fearlessly in possession all they want, but if they play with fear without the ball then it will spell disaster. Nikica Jelavic’s goal came as a result of a piece of defensive miscommunication. The centre backs were moving forward, the wingers were moving backwards and Ivan Franjic wasn’t exactly sure what he was doing – all he was sure of was that Luka Modric was running at him. Good players will do that to you. Diving into tackles often is a result of panic or lack of composure and it can be costly. In 2006, with Guus Hiddink at the helm, the Socceroos were told to never go to ground in the tackle. On the rare occasion they did, it cost Australia a last minute penalty. It is only half of the challenge to play without fear with the ball. To match it with the best, Australia also has to play without fear when an Alexis Sanchez or Andreas Iniesta or Arjen Robben is running at them.

Tommy Oar best as a ‘10’ or an ‘11’?

Tommy Oar in the No 10 role was a surprise. Well, yes and no. As Fox Sport’s everywhere man Daniel Garb was quick to point out, Oar plays either on the left of a midfield diamond or in the No 10 for his club side FC Utrecht so is comfortable in central areas. Oar had some bright moments going forward and it was his free kick which surprised everyone and hit the post that was Australia’s best chance of the match. But Australia seemed to lack something on the left without Oar, who has a wonderful left boot and can whip in crosses with pace and dip. If Mark Bresciano is fit to start against Chile, perhaps Australia will be better suited to returning Oar to the left and Mathew Leckie to the right.